Numbers Are Rising: Time to Revisit Your Winter Illness Preparedness Plan

December 14, 2023 / Get Well

Recent headlines suggest the need to revisit your winter illness preparedness plan. Additionally, the Virginia Health Department’s latest updates are as follows:

  • During the week of November 26 – December 2, Emergency Department and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness (excluding visits with diagnosed COVID-19) in Virginia increased 14% compared to the previous week.
  • During the week of November 26 – December 2, Emergency Department and urgent care visits for diagnosed COVID-19 in Virginia increased 23% compared to the previous week.
  • During the week of November 26 – December 2, Emergency Department and urgent care visits with diagnosed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Virginia decreased 9% compared to the previous week but remained significantly elevated in Virginia’s compared to a baseline of previous weeks.

Arm yourself with knowledge. Prevention and preparation are key.

Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are contagious respiratory illnesses that are already spreading this season. These illnesses are caused by different viruses that impact the human respiratory system. The viruses that cause the flu, COVID and RSV — as well as the common cold — can infect anyone, but they pose a higher risk of severe illness for older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children. Make immunity a priority, and click here to learn more about boosting your immune system.

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu and RSV can spread from person to person. To limit the spread, follow these steps to protect yourself and others.

  • Know policies and follow procedures.
    • Consult NOVA’s Contagious Diseases Policy #111 and Procedure #111P for protocols and steps to ensure your safety and that of our communities. Please review the guidance before you feel sick so you know what to do if you have symptoms, test positive or come into close contact with someone who is ill. 
  • Learn about immunization options. Immunizations are available for all three major fall and winter respiratory diseases — flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Consult with your medical professional and schedule necessary appointments to ensure you are ready for the season.
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people ages 6 months and older stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and receive a seasonal flu vaccine. If you are age 60 or older, talk to your healthcare provider to see if RSV vaccination is right for you. 
    • Flu and COVID-19. If you want more city-/county-specific information or have limited or no health insurance, consider contacting your local health department to inquire about available flu and COVID-19  vaccination clinics.
    • Flu. Benefits-eligible NOVA employees, click this link for information about your state employee health benefits related to the 2023–24 flu season.
  • Seek guidance on testing. Because symptoms can feel similar for different respiratory illnesses, your doctor may ask you to get tested for COVID, RSV or the flu. Tests, some of which can be administered at home, can help you determine your next steps to feel better and prevent more infection.
    • Every U.S. household can again place an order to have four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
  • Secure effective treatment. In the U.S., medical advancements have created a capacity for more widely available, effective treatments. Seek treatment early, as doing so can reduce the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

In brief, be proactive and have a plan:

  • Consult with your medical professional and schedule necessary appointments to ensure you are ready for the season.
  • Please review the guidance before you feel sick so you know what to do. 
  • Stay home when sick, reduce contact and practice precautionary measures when around others who are sick.  
  • Other tools like masking, physical distancing, washing hands and improving airflow can provide an additional layer of protection.
  • Don’t delay treatment and other actions that can protect family, friends and coworkers.

Cartoon illustration of a woman feeling ill. Wrapped in a dark green blanket and wearing a red sweater and black leggings while sitting cross-legged on the floor, the dark-haired woman blows her nose on a tissue while holding a cup of tea in her other hand. She leans against a purple pillow, and a purple box of tissues and a purple thermometer sit on the floor in front of her feet.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu